Author's Note:

Hey guys! So, now that I'm posting Chapter 14, I just wanted to say thanks for all the extremely positive feedback and your continuing support. It's really heart lifting! :) And because of you guys, A Mission's Wake has gotten 93 followers, 33 favorites, 60 reviews, and over 18,700 views!

–C

"Why are they so close to the warehouse where we arrested Sidorov in the first place?" Callen was speaking his thoughts aloud. Him and Kensi were preparing for the raid that would lead to the recovery of the bombs, the final arrest of Sidorov, and most importantly- the case's closure. She pulled out another semi-automatic weapon from the rack and placed it on the table, checking once again that it was ready to use.

"Maybe to throw us off. It's what we would least expect. And besides, if Sidorov captured Deeks and Sam, he would want the nukes close by for a quick escape," Kensi reasoned. "What did Hetty say about this bullshit investigation into our team?"

Callen paused for a moment, leaning over his weapon. He snapped the magazine into place and didn't meet Kensi's mismatched eyes while answered, "She said that once this whole business with Janvier, Sidorov, and the bombs is pushed away that the investigation would most likely drop. Hetty suspects it was simply to put pressure on our team."

"Yeah, probably." Kensi then hoisted the bullet-proof vest over her head and began fiddling with the straps, mimicking G.

Callen and the team had done this a thousand times before, so their motions were fluid and without thought. He could feel her eyes on him, fumbling with unspoken words.

"Hey, Callen-"

Knowing instantaneously what she was going to request, Callen finished the thought for his friend. "As soon as we arrest Sidorov, yes, you can go back to the hospital. Michelle and I can handle it from there."

"Thanks."

Callen set the earwig snugly in, waited for Kensi to do the same, and then they headed upstairs into their bullpen. He looked around for a moment. Early in the afternoon on a Wednesday, they should have been split up, chasing down leads. Or having some sort of banter while finishing up mundane paperwork. Deeks would have been trying to distract them in one way or another, Sam putting the detective into his place, Kensi laughing as they exchanged banter, and Callen would fulfill his 'duty' to bother Sam as if they were an old married couple.

G worried deeply about his partner. Even though Sam's condition was much more promising than Deeks, the Navy SEAL was his first taste of family. And as frequently as Callen joked about how the glory days were before they became partners…their assignment together was probably one of the best things to ever happen to G. But he would never admit it.

"Ready?" Kensi asked unnecessarily.

Callen only nodded as they continued out to the parking lot, piled into Kensi's car, and drove the short distance to the rendezvous point. His phone vibrated in his pocket, breaking the silence between them. Checking it, G's heart sank when he realized it was Sam.

Haven't seen you or Michelle all day. What's going on?

He paused before tucking it back into his pocket without answering.

"Who was that?" Kensi inquired.

"Sam. Apparently, Michelle failed to mention that she was going back undercover."

She glanced over at the senior agent for a moment, noticing that he wasn't replying. "And you're not going to text back?"

Callen shook his head. "I don't want him to cause any grief before we have the chance to-"

Another vibration interrupted G from his reasoning that didn't even make much sense to him. It was better if Sam found about the dangerous operation from his wife herself. As Callen said to him before: taking a bullet was no problem…but wives were a completely different situation.

Don't you ignore me, G.

Exhaling, Callen typed back a very brief reply: Busy day. See you soon.

It wasn't long before the next message came in reading: Doing what? We took down an international terrorist yesterday. A break is more than earned. Must be important if Kensi isn't here.

Granger has us up to our necks in paperwork -_-

Since when has Granger ever stopped you?

It seems you're feeling fine. We could always bring your share over :)

Stop using emoticons. You're not 16. Is Michelle there? She's not replying to my texts.

That's cause she's working, which I should get back to.

Ok. See you tonight. You better bring good food.

G chuckled despite lying to Sam and tucked his phone away. Just as he did, Kensi pulled behind a SWAT truck. It was a familiar scene, mirroring yesterday's operation almost exactly. Callen only hoped that there would be less blood from allies involved. The two NCIS agents and SWAT men gathered in a tight circle. It wasn't the same team from yesterday, but the protocol was identical.

"Snipers are in place, Agent Callen," the team leader informed him.

"Alright. Basic infiltration. We have a friendly in there; a woman, about Agent Blye's height, dark skin and hair. There are also nukes present. If any person makes the wrong move towards them, shoot. We go on my order. Team One, go around back and cut them off. Team Two, you're with me."

The teams dispersed briefly, rechecking their gear. Insuring that everybody was prepared, they approached the building in a single file line Stealthily, Kensi took a position to throw open the door when Callen gave the order.

He held up three fingers. Then two remained. One. None.

Kensi ripped the door open and they stormed the compound for the last time in this case.